Egypt: A Police Dog Bites the Political Activist Rabeh Al Shahawy

The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights condemns the violation attack against the political activist Rabeh Al Shahawy. A police dog had bitten Rabeh while he was in Borolos Fishing Port celebrating Kafr Al Sheigh Governorate Day, November 5, 2012. The activist filed the police report no. 20/259 against the officials in the port and the celebration organizers.

The Popular Current in Borolos took the opportunity of the celebration and organized a peaceful demonstration against the governor of Kafr Al Sheikh following appointing 5 of the Muslim Brotherhood local leaders in high governmental positions. On that day, the fishermen met the governor to tell him about the problems they face then clashes started between the demonstrators and the police troops. The military police troops released their dogs to attack the civil demonstrators.

Mr. Hafez Abu Seada, the head of EOHR, confirmed that such practices violate all the international standards of human rights. Having civilian demonstrators subjected to torture after the Egyptian revolution cannot be accepted. The Egyptian revolution has been focused mainly on confrontation of the human rights violations and achieving the rule of law and democracy. The Egyptian government has not even expressed any kind of apologies for the violence incident.

In this regard, EOHR calls upon the Egyptian Government to open an immediate investigation on the violence incident against the political activist and the fishermen. EOHR also calls for dismissing Kafr Al Sheikh governor because of having no measures taken against the guards involved in these horrible practices.

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